Trainee IPS Officer Hospitalised Days After Harassment Case Registered

A trainee Indian Police Service (IPS) officer undergoing training at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA) in Hyderabad was hospitalised after being found unconscious on Monday, days after a criminal case was registered against him over allegations of sexual harassment, stalking, assault and criminal intimidation made by a fellow trainee officer. The development has drawn attention as investigators continue to probe both the criminal allegations and the circumstances surrounding the officer's medical emergency.

The officer, Uday Krishna Reddy, was rushed to a private hospital by his brother and friends after he was found unconscious around 9.30 am. Doctors said they initially suspected he may have consumed a harmful substance and carried out a precautionary stomach wash. However, no abnormal substance was detected during the preliminary examination. Blood and urine samples have been sent for forensic analysis, and doctors said he is stable and out of danger. A liquor bottle and a sanitiser bottle were reportedly found near his room, though doctors said it would be premature to determine what, if anything, he consumed until laboratory reports are received.

The case stems from a complaint lodged by a 30-year-old woman trainee IPS officer at Attapur Police Station, alleging that Uday Krishna Reddy had subjected her to repeated harassment since June 23 through sexually explicit messages sent via an instant messaging platform. She also accused him of making derogatory remarks, spreading false rumours about her personal life, verbally abusing her and repeatedly stalking her within the academy premises.

According to the complaint, the accused allegedly dragged her to his room on July 9, assaulted her, attempted to strangle her, held a knife to her neck, and prevented her from leaving. She further alleged that he assaulted her again the following day and secretly recorded a private video before attempting to blackmail her by sending it to her husband.

Based on the complaint, Attapur Police registered an FIR on July 18 under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) relating to sexual harassment, assault, stalking, outraging the modesty of a woman and criminal intimidation, along with relevant sections of the Information Technology Act.

Meanwhile, media reports citing sources familiar with the investigation claim that the two trainee officers had known each other for a considerable period and shared a close friendship before their relationship allegedly deteriorated. The reports suggest the woman officer had confided in him about personal matters, including her family's search for a marriage alliance, after which differences reportedly emerged. Investigators are also examining WhatsApp chats and other digital evidence to understand the nature of their interactions before the alleged incidents. Police, however, have not officially confirmed these claims, and the findings remain part of the ongoing investigation.

Uday Krishna Reddy has denied all the allegations, calling them baseless and stating that he has full faith in the judicial process. Police said notices would be issued directing him to appear for questioning. Officials also confirmed that the 2025-batch IPS probationer, who previously served as a constable in the Andhra Pradesh Police, had left the academy after the FIR was registered. The investigation is continuing.